Great songs for running
April 8, 2010
By Cindy Gregorian
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
A few months ago, MSNBC reported on a study that found people who cycled in time to music required 7 percent less oxygen to do the same work compared to those who did not.
According to a British sports psychologist quoted in the story, there are four factors that contribute to a song’s motivational qualities: rhythm response, musicality, cultural impact and association.
Last week, I was feeling particularly sluggish during a 6-mile run when a song that I love came up on the shuffle rotation on my iPod. I perked up almost immediately, so I switched to that artist’s album and the rest of the run felt easier. I even picked up speed.
I’ve put together a list of some of my favourite running songs. Just so you know, I’m not a mainstream music kinda gal. Alternative pop and rock, Americana and cowpunk are my faves. So this list doesn’t include a lot of the stuff you hear on the radio. And it’s definitely not the typical dance and hip hop stuff other people recommend for exercise.
“Bury Me With It” by Modest Mouse
“Cut Your Hair” by Pavement
“Mullet Head” by Beastie Boys
“Early Morning” by Old 97s
“The Underdog” by Spoon
“She Don’t Use Jelly” by The Flaming Lips
“Drunken Poet’s Dream” by Hayes Carll
“Four Leaf Clover” by Old 97s
“I Got A Gig” by Hayes Carll
“Rollerskate Skinny” by Old 97s
“Sleep to Dream” by Fiona Apple
“Comfort Eagle” by Cake
“Float On” by Modest Mouse
“Heavy Metal Drummer” by Wilco
“Born To Run” by Bruce Springsteen (of course!)
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